Developing Vaccines and Medicines
Developing Vaccines and Medicines
By: Peter Breboneria II
Elivera (2020) stated that the earliest time we can produce a vaccine is between 12-18 months. Given the urgent needs, multiple pharmacological interventions have been already in experimental use from food to drugs such as banana, ginger, and virgin coconut oil (Eliverä , 2020) to drugs available in the market used to treat specific diseases: chloroquine (Malaria), hydroxychloroquine(rheumatoid arthritis and lupus), remdesivir(Ebola), lopinavir and ritonavir(HIV), and favipiravir(flu and many RNA viruses)( National Catholic Bioethics Center, 2021). This food and medicines still need to be tested. Elivera (2020) stated that “it is the moral duty of every medical practitioner to advise against the use of the unproven drug, much less injurious or fatal”. The clinical tests must be ethical. There was some discussion to cut bureaucracy in order to expedite the production of medicines or vaccines. The purpose of protocols in clinical experimentation is to protect human subject. However, in the face of global health needs, some protocols can be bypassed as long as we do not compromise the welfare of the COVID-19 patient. Ethical practice does not end in clinical trials but also the moral responsibility of the pharmaceutical companies. Vaccines and medicine shall be affordable also. Catholics must weigh and be informed about ethical considerations in getting vaccinated through rhetoric persuasion.
References
1.Eliverä, E. S. (2020). Life and Churchlife During Pandemic: Bioethical Issues and Church Response in the Time of COVID-19. In MST Review (Vol. 22, Issue 1). https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/25/
2.Coconut and COVID-19: Philippines studying antiviral properties of coconut oil as potential treatment. (n.d.). Retrieved May 12, 2021, from https://www.nutraingredients-asia.com/Article/2020/03/11/Coconut-and-COVID-19-Philippines-studying-antiviral-properties-of-coconut-oil-as-potential-treatment
About the Author
Peter Dadis Breboneria II (Formerly Peter Reganit Breboneria II) is the founder of the International Center for Youth Development (ICYD) and the program author/ developer of the Philippines first internet-based Alternative Learning System(ALS) and Utak Henyo Program of the Department of Education featured by GMA News & Public Affairs, and ABS-CBN and MOA signed with Department of Education, Voice of the Youth Network, Junior Chamber International (JCI), and the Philippine Music and the Arts. He was the International Radio/TV format Host for Youth Program at Veritas Asia, a giant Catholic media network. He started as a local Youth Radio host at Gospel Broadcasting Network, an evangelical station, and trained by Far East Broadcasting Network (FEBC Legazpi Branch). He garnered model youth awards at Ateneo de Naga University, Bicol’s premier university in 2008. He is currently studying at the University of the Philippines-Open University. He studied Pastoral Management and Leadership at the Loyola School of Theology, a theological graduate school in Ateneo de Manila University. The Philippine Normal University-The National Center for Teacher Education waived his entrance exam and majorship exam. You may visit his website at www.peterbreboneria.com
